System and method for animal growth regulation for improved profitability and mitigated risk

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for profit maximization and risk mitigation that uses nutrition modeling of animal, poultry and marine animals is a critical component of the respective enterprise optimization and managed environment pollution control. The optimization accuracy depends on the description of utilization efficiency of nutrients in a population of animals. Utilization efficiency of nutrients for meat production in a population are preferably based on at least three component parts of nutrient utilization, i.e., maintenance, linear gain, and non-linear gain, instead of one only. Efficiencies for maintenance and linear gain are fixed value(s), but nutrient efficiency is a result of intra-population variation and efficiency of linear gain, and affect profit. Similar processing is performed to obtain optimal crop growth and profit. Finally, one or both of the animal-growth optimization and the crop-growth optimization are combined with a profit-maximization and risk-mitigation processor to provide information for a decision maker.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority benefit, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/715,084, filed Aug. 6, 2018 byFazal Wala et al. and titled “System and method for animal growthregulation for improved profitability and mitigated risk,” which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

This invention is related to U.S. Pat. No. 6,115,692, issued to JinkuiLiu et al. on Sep. 5, 2000 with the title “Generating growthalternatives,” which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 5,668,718, whichis a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/289,652, filedAug. 12, 1994 (abandoned), which is a continuation of U.S. applicationSer. No. 08/125,409, filed on Sep. 22, 1993 (abandoned), and is alsorelated to U.S. Pat. No. 6,076,043 issued to Jinkui Liu on Jun. 13, 2000with the title “Utilization effectiveness of nutrients in a population,”each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of agricultural product profitmaximization conditioned to a given level of risk mitigation, and morespecifically to an apparatus and method for generating optimized livingentity and edible tissue growth alternatives and amounts, and generatingan inter-variable and temporal relationships between tissue-growthfactors of an animal in order to optimize edible tissue outputproduction given inherent enterprise finance, resources, processing, andmarketing constraints.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The economic optimization and viability of an enterprise depends on theability to accurately analyze the relationship between the cost ofmaterials, services, and labor that are input into the enterprise andthe return that is achieved on the product that is output by theenterprise. In agribusiness industries that raise animals such aslivestock, poultry, marine animals, etc., the inputs include the animalitself, food, shelter, and services. The output, of course, is themarketable tissue components of the processed animal. One of the mostcritical relationships in optimizing the economic margins of anenterprise is the relationship between the controllable anduncontrollable factors that affect the rate at which the animal and itstissue components grow and the final size of the animal at marketingage. Thus, it is important to have a value-based food chain model thatdescribes the relationship between each of these factors and the rate ofgrowth of a population of animals.

Variables affecting the growth and yield of edible tissue of animals canbe divided into genetic and non-genetic categories. Genetic variablesare fixed and are reflected by the growth potential of the individualtype of animal of interest. It will be appreciated by those skilled inthe art that the growth rate of a animal is never higher and only lowerthan the maximum potential. During its life, an animal seeks to achieveits genetic potential, but fails due to the impediment of non-geneticvariables.

Non-genetic variables that are partially controllable by the commercialoperator can be divided further into living factors and food factors.Living factors encompass environmental conditions such as temperature,humidity, animal density, ventilation, disease conditions, air quality,etc. Food factors encompass the types and digested amounts of materialthat are ingested by an animal. In some embodiments, food factors arecontrolled in a commercial environment through nutrition. The foodfactor reflects a major portion of the cost during the growth period.

To maximize an enterprise's before tax net margin, many scientists haveused models to simulate the growth of various types of animals. (See G.C. Emmans, “The Growth of Turkeys,” 21 Recent Advances in TurkeyScience, 135-166 (C. Nixey and T. C. Grey eds. 1989); H. Talpaz et al.,“Dynamic Optimization Model for Feeding of Broilers,” Agric. Sys,121-132 (1986); H. Talpaz et al., “Economic Optimization of a GrowthTrajectory for Broilers,” 70 Amer. J. Ag. Econ., 382-390 (1988); P. E.Waibel et al., TURKS Program Agricultural Extension Service (Universityof Minnesota 1985)). It will be appreciated that the various modelsrepresent efforts to take into account the incredibly complex anddiverse structure of living entities, as well as the innumerablevariables that affect the living entities in their environment.

One model that is used to describe animal growth is the Gompertz curve(B. Gompertz, “On the Nature of the Function Expressive of the Law ofHuman Mortality, and on a New Mode of Determining the Value of LifeContingencies,” Philos. Trans. Roy. Soc., 513-585 (1825)), which showsthe current mass weight as a function of age with known constantparameters. Gompertz curves have been used to describe the growth ofpoultry only in terms of a singular factor or characteristic such as agenetic characteristic, a living condition, or a food factor (G. C.Emmans, “The Growth of Turkeys,” 21 Recent Advances in Turkey Science,135-166 (C. Nixey and T. C. Grey eds. 1989); R. M. Gous et al., “ACharacterization of the Potential Growth Rate of Six Breeds ofCommercial Broiler,” 2 Proceedings of XIX World's Poultry Congress,20-24 (Amsterdam, The Netherlands, September 1992); N. B. Anthony etal., “Comparison of Growth Curves of Weight Selected Populations ofTurkeys, Quail and Chickens,” 70 Poultry Sci., 13-19 (1991)). However,because all the parameters are independent from one to another among allthe curves, each Gompertz curve can describe growth in terms of only oneset of conditions.

Because of the complexity of a life form, there is a need for a modelthat describes growth alternatives in terms of a plurality of differentconditions. Such a model would permit an accurate economic analysis thatallows a commercial operator to simultaneously (non-repetitive) optimizethe relationship between the conditions and growth. In turn, theproduction of living animals would be more easily controlled in order tooptimize production and hence maximize economic return.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,076,043 issued to Jinkui Liu on Jun. 13, 2000 with thetitle “Utilization effectiveness of nutrients in a population” and isincorporated herein in its entirety by reference. U.S. Pat. No.6,076,043 describes nutrition modeling of animal, poultry and marineanimals is a critical component of the respective enterpriseoptimization and managed environment pollution control. The optimizationaccuracy depends on the description of utilization efficiency ofnutrients in a population of animals. The current invention demonstratesthat utilization efficiency of nutrients for meat production in apopulation should be described based on at least three component partsof nutrient utilization, i.e., maintenance, linear gain, and non-lineargain, instead of one only. Efficiencies for maintenance and linear gainare fixed value(s), but nutrient efficiency for non-linear gain is aresult of intra-population variation and efficiency of linear gain.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,668,718 to Liu et al. issued Sep. 16, 1997 with thetitle “Generating growth alternatives” and is incorporated herein in itsentirety by reference. U.S. Pat. No. 5,668,718 describes an apparatusand method for determining when a living animal reaches its optimum rateof growth. This information is then used to calculate the optimalparameters for achieving the maximum Return on Investment (ROI). Thecomputer determines the optimal number of birds for a flock, type andamount of feed, length of time between hatching and sale to foodprocessor, etc. The computer consists of a microprocessor, random accessmemory, a storage device, a keyboard, a computer screen, a printer, amath co-processor.

What is needed is improved agricultural decision-assisting softwareincluding live audio-video interactions with experts who may be calledto assist in use of the software and in making decisions, wherein thesoftware automatically acts to maximize profit and return on investment,while limiting risk to a chosen level.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments, the present invention uses the apparatus and methodthat builds on the teaching of U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,115,692, 6,076,043 and5,668,718, by further including financial, market-demand, insurance,weather, genetics, and risk-mitigation models and the like to maximizeexpected profit while operating to limit risk to a chosen level.

One advantage of the present invention is that it is based on thecorrelation between constant parameters among a multitude of Gompertzcurves, each describing the growth of an animal given a predeterminedcharacteristic. Thus, a commercial poultry operator can use theapparatus and method of the present invention to simultaneously optimizegrowth and yield in a plurality of living and food conditions in orderto maximize economic return.

The present invention generally relates to a modeling method andoperating a computer that computes the time trajectory that a bird canreach its optimum rate of growth with age. Using this information, thecomputer can simultaneously determine an appropriate size for a flock ofbirds, the type and amount of feed that should be fed to the flock, andthe age at which a flock should be sold to a food processor, in order tomaximize the profits realized by a commercial integrator who raises orsubcontracts meat production.

More specifically, the present invention is an apparatus for optimizingthe ratio between expenditures and rate of growth for living animals.This apparatus includes processing means for optimizing the ratiobetween expenditures and the rate of growth for animals, wherein theprocessing optimum rate of growth according to the equation W=Aexp(−exp(−k(t−t*))), where W is the current body weight of the animal, Ais the weight of the animal at physical maturity, k is a growth ratefactor, t is the current age of the animal, and t* is the age at whichthe animal has its maximum rate of growth, t* and k being statisticallyrelated.

The apparatus also includes memory means for storing data correspondingto information about feed, information about the characteristics of theanimals, and information generated by the processing means. The memorymeans is operationally coupled to the means calculates the optimum rateof growth with age at which the animals can experience their processingmeans.

The present invention is also in the form of a method for operating theapparatus. The method steps include calculating the time trajectory atwhich the animal can experience its optimum rate of growth with ageaccording to the equation W=A exp(−exp(−k(t−t*))), where W is thecurrent body weight of the animal, A is the weight of the animal atphysical maturity, k is a growth rate factor, t is the current age ofthe animal, and t* is the age at which the animal has its maximum rateof growth, t* and k being statistically related. The method includes theadditional step of storing data corresponding to information about feed,information about the characteristics of the animals, and informationgenerated by the processing means.

These and other advantages and capabilities, which characterize thepresent invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claimsannexed hereof and forming a further part hereof. However, for a betterunderstanding of the invention, its advantages, and objects obtained byits use, reference should be made to the drawings, which form a furtherpart hereto, and to the accompanying descriptive matter, whichillustrates and describes a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

In some embodiments, the software includes detection algorithms thatautomatically act to detect and reduce risk.

In some embodiments, the software includes optimization algorithms thatautomatically act to maximize expected profit while keeping the entireoperation within a chosen level of risk.

The present invention provides an apparatus and method for profitmaximization and risk mitigation that uses nutrition modeling of animal,poultry and marine animals is a critical component of the respectiveenterprise optimization and managed environment pollution control. Theoptimization accuracy depends on the description of utilizationefficiency of nutrients in a population of animals. Utilizationefficiency of nutrients for meat production in a population arepreferably based on at least three component parts of nutrientutilization, i.e., maintenance, linear gain, and non-linear gain,instead of one only. Efficiencies for maintenance and linear gain arefixed value(s), but nutrient efficiency for non-linear gain is a resultof intra-population variation and efficiency of linear gain. Similarprocessing is performed to obtain optimal crop growth and profit.Finally, one or both of the animal-growth optimization and thecrop-growth optimization are combined with a profit maximization andrisk mitigation processor to provide information for a decision maker.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an animal-profit maximizing system 101,according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of a crop-profit maximizing system 102,according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1C is a block diagram of a crop-and-animal-profit maximizing system103, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1D is a block diagram of a computer system 104, according to someembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of interacting data sources 201 that togetherform remote data sources 86 shown in FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, and FIG. 1C.

FIG. 3 is a prior-art flow chart of method 300, used in some embodimentsof the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a prior-art flow chart of method 400, used in some embodimentsof the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a prior-art graph 500 showing the growth alternativesdescribed by a Gompertz curve.

FIG. 6 is a prior-art graph 600 showing the relationship between therate factor, k, and the inflection point, t.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Although the following detailed description contains many specifics forthe purpose of illustration, a person of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that many variations and alterations to the following detailsare within the scope of the invention. Specific examples are used toillustrate particular embodiments; however, the invention described inthe claims is not intended to be limited to only these examples, butrather includes the full scope of the attached claims. Accordingly, thefollowing preferred embodiments of the invention are set forth withoutany loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon theclaimed invention. Further, in the following detailed description of thepreferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawingsthat form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustrationspecific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It isunderstood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changesmay be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.The embodiments shown in the Figures and described here may includefeatures that are not included in all specific embodiments. A particularembodiment may include only a subset of all of the features described,or a particular embodiment may include all of the features described.

The leading digit(s) of reference numbers appearing in the Figuresgenerally corresponds to the Figure number in which that component isfirst introduced, such that the same reference number is used throughoutto refer to an identical component which appears in multiple Figures.Signals and connections may be referred to by the same reference numberor label, and the actual meaning will be clear from its use in thecontext of the description.

Preferably, in some embodiments, the computer of the present inventionis programmed using a suitable database that is distributed such thatmany competing users can maintain the confidentiality of their own dataand with individual parts securely updated across the internet, while atthe same time aggregating an overall anonymized database that can assistall users in their individual decisions without collusion or conspiringto fix prices. In some embodiments, any suitable database softwarepackages such as Paradox, DB2, Access, etc., may be used, and thecomputer may also be programmed using Visual Basic, C, Fortran, Pascalor other suitable programming languages. During execution of theprogram, the microprocessor system sequentially executes a series ofindividual instructions in each of one or more parallel-operationprocessors. However, as described herein, the operation of themicroprocessor implementing the program will be defined in terms ofmajor functional steps.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an animal-profit maximizing system 101,according to some embodiments of the present invention. In someembodiments, system 101 is largely implemented by software programs thatrun on server computer 110 of FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the remoteusers 88 and/or local user(s) 89 input information via block 111 (inwhich in some embodiments, the computer system 104 provides a securedand encrypted password-protected browser interface that elicits andreceives information from the user 99 or the user's computer 88 or othersource having an internet connection) that is put into the databases (asadditions, updates or modifications to journal database 112, ingredientdatabase 113, and model database 114). In some embodiments, the remoteusers can maintain and use private user-specific databases 87 tosupplement or replace the system journal database 112, ingredientdatabase 113, and/or model database 114. The information received byinput block 111 (which is typically inputted by a user via keyboard, USBthumb-size FLASH drive, and/or spreadsheet) is entered into the journaldatabase 112, ingredient database 113, and/or model database 114. Thejournal database 112, stores information that relates to thecharacteristics of the flock or herd such as sex, weight, number,strain, etc. This journal database 112 also stores the information thatis generated by the model 115 and the optimizer 122. Such journaldatabase 112 information relates to the optimal diet, environmentalconditions, flock size, predicted mortality rate, predicted yield,financial figures, etc. The ingredient database 113, stores informationthat relates to the potential ingredients that may be included withinthe feed and the nutritional values of the various ingredients. In someembodiments, ingredient database 113 also includes equations that theusers 99, via users' computers 88 and/or 89 can cause to execute torecalculate the value of the amino-acid nutrients and metabolizableenergy for each day or stage of the animal's life. In some embodiments,these equations are based on the weight per bushel and the proteincontent of the ingredients. The model database 114, includes information(e.g., equations) that are used in the actual code of the executionfiles. The model database 114 also includes information that relates tothe variables that are used within the execution files.

In some embodiments, the blocks 118, 115, 119, 116, 117, and 120represent the various execution programs that are required to controlthe computer of the present invention. In some embodiments, these blocksimplement function described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,115,692, 6,076,043 and5,668,718, which are incorporated herein by reference. In someembodiments, any one of these blocks may contain a plurality ofexecution files in order to fulfill its function. As described above, insome embodiments, the execution files and the databases are writtenutilizing the Clarion™ database software or other suitable databasesoftware.

The animal-growth model 115 allows the user to execute the model thatforms the equations that are described in the section below titled “A.Theory.” That section also forms equations that calculate the predictedmortality rate and other effects of living conditions, predicted yieldfor various economic body parts, and nutrient calculations. Morespecifically, the model creates a plurality of simultaneous equationsthat it will pass through the interface 121 to the animal-growthoptimizer 122.

The interface 121 reconfigures the information generated by theanimal-growth model 115 into a form that is acceptable by theanimal-growth optimizer 122. In some embodiments, optimizer 122 includesa non-linear simultaneous equations optimizer, which are well known inthe art.

The animal-growth optimizer 122 will solve the simultaneous equations inorder to create the optimal values for each of the variables thatdescribe the predicted mortality rate and other effects of livingconditions, predicted yield for various economic body parts, andnutrient calculations. In some embodiments, the animal-growth optimizer122 provides data that provides the highest growth rate and earliestdate for marketable animals ready for the processing plant. Thisinformation is then passed from animal-growth optimizer 122 to thejournal database 112, where it is stored.

In some embodiments, data is also passed from animal-growth optimizer122 to the animal profit optimizer 128, which also takes into accountdata collected from remote data sources 86 (including public data suchas from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, public universities and thelike, insurance and underwriting company data, and private purchaseddata from such sources as Agri Stats, Inc. at www.agristats.com and thelike) using internet connections 90. This collected data is placed intoone or more databases such as animal insurance/underwriter database 123,meat futures database 124 (optionally including a local-basis database125 of price variations in one or more local markets) and/oringredient-futures and energy-futures (optionally includingcost-of-capital, cost of labor, and/or cost of automation information)database 126 (optionally including a local-basis database 127 of pricevariations in one or more local markets). In some embodiments, profitoptimizer 128 performs hundreds or thousands of repeated runs of most orall the information using different variations of input deltas (such aslengthening or shortening the growth period before the animals areharvested, changing the space per animal (does the benefit to animalhealth and meat production outweigh the cost of additional housingspace, and what is the optimal space per animal that provides the bestprofit given a set amount of risk, and what other factors (such as heat,humidity, light, ventilation, manure control and the like), provide thebest environment for the animals), in order to find the most and bestlocal maximums, in order to find the overall maximum given constraintson the business.

Block 118 is the portion wherein the user may execute the files thatgenerate and print reports. These reports are described in detail below.In some embodiments, the user 99 edits, using tables editor 120, thetables that store information about the various ingredients that may beincluded in feed in Nutrients amino-acid calculations 119. Morespecifically, the user may delete or add ingredients, and edit thenutritional values associated with each ingredient. Additionally, theuser may execute amino acid and energy equations that recalculates thevalues of the amino acid and metabolizable energy nutrients based on theweight per bushel and protein content of each ingredient. Theinformation manipulated by 119 is stored in the ingredient database 113.

In some embodiments, the user is helped to create variables that areused in the various execution files in create variables 116. In someembodiments, at tables editor 120 the user may create and edit thevarious electronic data tables (EDTs) that are used to organize andstore information within the databases. Finally, in some embodiments,the user creates and edits the execution files and databases at editor117.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of a crop-profit maximizing system 102,according to some embodiments of the present invention. In someembodiments, system 102 is largely implemented by software programs thatrun on server computer 110 of FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the remoteusers 88 and/or local user(s) 89 input information via block 131 (inwhich in some embodiments, the computer system 104 provides a securedand encrypted password-protected browser interface that elicits andreceives information from the user 99 or the user's computer 88 or othersource having an internet connection) that is put into the databases (asadditions, updates or modifications to journal database 132, fertilizer,mineral and nutrient database 133, and model database 134). In someembodiments, the remote users can maintain and use private user-specificdatabases 87 to supplement or replace the system journal database 132,ingredient database 133, and/or model database 134. The informationreceived by input block 131 (which is typically inputted by a user viakeyboard, USB thumb-size FLASH drive, and/or spreadsheet) is enteredinto the journal database 132, fertilizer, mineral and nutrient database133, and/or model database 134. The journal database 132, storesinformation that relates to the characteristics of the crop such asgenetics, resistances to various diseases and pests, water needs anddrought tolerance, salt tolerance, and the like. This journal database132 also stores the information that is generated by the model 135 andthe crop-growth optimizer 142. Such journal database 132 informationrelates to the optimal diet, environmental conditions, flock size,predicted mortality rate, predicted yield, financial figures, etc. Theingredient database 133, stores information that relates to thepotential ingredients that may be included within the feed and thenutritional values of the various ingredients. In some embodiments,fertilizer, mineral and nutrient database 133 also includes equationsthat the users 99, via users' computers 88 and/or 89 can cause toexecute to recalculate the value of trace nutrients and water needs foreach day or stage of the crop's life cycle. In some embodiments, theseequations are based on the weight and content of the fertilizer, mineraland nutrient ingredients. The model database 134, includes information(e.g., equations) that are used in the actual code of the executionfiles. The model database 134 also includes information that relates tothe variables that are used within the execution files.

In some embodiments, blocks 138, 135, 139, 136, 137, and 140 representthe various execution programs that are required to control the computerof the present invention. In some embodiments, these blocks implementfunction described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,115,692, 6,076,043 and 5,668,718,which are incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, any oneof these blocks may contain a plurality of execution files in order tofulfill its function.

The crop-growth model 135 allows the user to execute the model thatforms the equations that are similar to those described in the sectionbelow titled “A. Theory.” That section also forms equations thatcalculate the predicted mortality rate and other effects of livingconditions, predicted yield for various economic body parts, andnutrient calculations. More specifically, the model creates a pluralityof simultaneous equations that it will pass through the interface 141 tothe crop growth optimizer 142.

The interface 141 reconfigures the information generated by thecrop-growth model 135 into a form that is acceptable by the crop-growthoptimizer 142. In some embodiments, crop-growth optimizer 142 includes anon-linear simultaneous equations optimizer, which are well known in theart.

The crop-growth optimizer 142 will solve the simultaneous equations inorder to create the optimal values for each of the variables thatdescribe the predicted loss in case of drought and other effects ofgrowing conditions, predicted yield for various economic plant parts,and nutrient calculations. In some embodiments, the crop-growthoptimizer 142 provides data that provides the highest growth rate andearliest date for marketable animals ready for the processing plant.This information is then passed from crop-growth optimizer 142 to thejournal database 132, where it is stored.

In some embodiments, data is also passed from crop-growth optimizer 142to the crop-profit optimizer 148, which also takes into account datacollected from remote data sources 86 (including public data such asfrom the U.S. Department of Agriculture, public universities and thelike, insurance and underwriting company data, and private purchaseddata from such sources as Agri Stats, Inc. at www.agristats.com and thelike) using internet connections 90. This collected data is placed intoone or more databases such as animal insurance/underwriter database 143,crop futures database 144 (optionally including a local-basis database145 of price variations in one or more local markets) and/oringredient-futures and energy-futures (optionally includingcost-of-capital, cost of labor, and/or cost of automation information)database 146 (optionally including a local-basis database 147 of pricevariations in one or more local markets). In some embodiments,crop-profit optimizer 148 performs hundreds or thousands of repeatedruns of most or all the information using different variations of inputdeltas (such as lengthening or shortening the growth period before theanimals are harvested, changing the space per animal (Does the benefitto animal health and meat production outweigh the cost of additionalhousing space? What is the optimal space per animal that provides thebest profit given a set amount of risk? What other factors (such asheat, humidity, light, ventilation, manure control and the like),provide the best environment for the animals?), in order to find themost and best local maximums, in order to find the overall maximum givenconstraints on the business.

Block 138 is the portion wherein the user may execute the files thatgenerate and print reports. These reports are described in detail below.In some embodiments, the user 99 edits, using tables editor 140, thetables that store information about the various ingredients that may beincluded in feed in Nutrients amino-acid calculations 139. Morespecifically, the user may delete or add ingredients, and edit thenutritional values associated with each ingredient. Additionally, theuser may execute amino acid and energy equations that recalculate thevalues of the amino acid and metabolizable energy nutrients based on theweight per bushel and protein content of each ingredient. Theinformation manipulated by 139 is stored in the fertilizer, mineral andnutrient ingredient database 133.

In some embodiments, the user is helped to create variables that areused in the various execution files in create variables 136. In someembodiments, at tables editor 140 the user 99 may create and edit thevarious electronic data tables (EDTs) that are used to organize andstore information within the databases. Finally, in some embodiments,the user creates and edits the execution files and databases at editor137.

FIG. 1C is a block diagram of a crop-and-animal-profit maximizing system103, according to some embodiments of the present invention. In someembodiments, crop-and-animal-profit maximizing system 103 combinesanimal-profit maximizing system 101 of FIG. 1A and crop-profitmaximizing system 102, and combines and enhances the animal-profitoptimizer 128 and crop-profit optimizer 148, in order to furtheroptimize the overall combined profit using non-linearsimultaneous-equations optimizer 129.

FIG. 1D is a block diagram of a computer system 104, according to someembodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, computersystem 104 includes a server computer 110 that connects across theinternet 90 to a remote user's computer 88 that includes a localdatabase 87 and a browser 85. In some embodiments, a human user 99 is adecision maker who needs a relevant presentation of data on which humanuser 99 is able to make better decisions to maximize profits given thelevel of risk the user is prepared or permitted to take on. The humanuser 99 controls which data from their local database 87 is sent to theserver computer 110 (data such as space per animal, the genetic breed ofthe animal, local weather data and price of ingredients in the animal'sdiet. In some embodiments, using well-known algorithms, the dataprovided from database 87 and from browser interface 85 is encrypted bythe remote user's computer 88 before being transmitted to servercomputer 110 where it is decrypted sufficiently to be used incalculations, and the result data is encrypted by server computer 110before being transmitted back, and that result data is decrypted by theremote user's computer 88 for presentation to user 99. In addition, datais presented from the server computer 110 that the human user 99 can actupon to mitigate and control risk.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of interacting data sources 201 that togetherform remote data sources 86 shown in FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, and FIG. 1C. Insome embodiments, it is most important to classify the data as to thesource location (e.g., the ZIP code) rather than on the breed of animal(the genetic code) when gathering data for profit maximization. This isat least in part because the local weather, climate, humidity and thelike have a larger effect on profit results than does the breed ofpoultry.

FIG. 3 is a prior-art flow chart of method 300 showing the programexecution from U.S. Pat. No. 6,115,692 (FIGS. 21a and 21b of U.S. Pat.No. 6,115,692), which is incorporated herein by reference. Block 301illustrates the various inputs into the logical program flow in order tocalculate and solve the various equations. Block 302 includesinformation on nutrient composition and digestibility which may bestored in the form of a look-up table or some other known databasestructure. This data is provided to block 307 where data and/orequations on the nutrient efficiency is stored. Additional informationis provided to block 307 from the growth model block 303 and thenutrient to support growth block 306. Each of the various blocks 302,307, 306, 305, and 304 provide data and equations to optimizer block 308which solves the equations in an optimized manner. The outputs ofoptimizer block 308 are provided to output block 309 which provides theresults to the journal database 204 (best seen in FIG. 4 (FIG. 20 ofU.S. Pat. No. 6,115,692)). This information is illustrated as including:optimum marketing age, block 310; optimum raw material tonnage andmixes, block 311; optimum growth & yield of animals, block 312; optimumnutrient level/period feeding, block 313; and optimum animal spacedensity & number, block 314.

FIG. 4 is a prior-art flow chart of method 400 showing the programexecution from U.S. Pat. No. 6,115,692 (FIG. 20 of U.S. Pat. No.6,115,692), which is incorporated herein by reference, used in someembodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, a programthat controls the computer of the present invention begins at block 200.In some embodiments, a user inputs information into the databases atBlock 202. The information inputted may enter either the Journaldatabase 204, Ingredient database 206, or Model database 208. TheJournal database, block 204 stores information that relates to thecharacteristics of the flock such as sex, weight, number, strain, etc.This database also stores the information that is generated by the modeland the optimizer. Such information relates to the optimal diet,environmental conditions, flock size, predicted mortality rate,predicted yield, financial figures, etc. The Ingredient database, block206, stores information that relates to the potential ingredients thatmay be included within the feed and the nutritional values of thevarious ingredients. One skilled in the art will realize that theIngredient database also includes equations that the user can execute torecalculate the value of the amino acid nutrients and metabolizedenergy. These equations are based on the weight per bushel and proteincontent of the ingredients. The Model database, block 208, includesinformation that relates to the actual code of the execution files. Themodel database also includes information that relates to the variablesthat are used within the execution files.

One skilled in the art will realize that the blocks 210, 212, 214, 216,218, and 220 represent the various execution programs that are required,in some embodiments, for program execution. Each of these blocks maycontain a plurality of execution files in order to fulfill its function.The source code for the model is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,076,043titled “Utilization effectiveness of nutrients in a population,” whichis incorporated herein by reference. As described above, in someembodiments, the execution files and the databases are preferablywritten utilizing the Clarion™ database software.

At block 212, in some embodiments, the user causes execution of themodel that forms the equations that are described in described in U.S.Pat. No. 6,076,043 titled “Utilization effectiveness of nutrients in apopulation,” which is incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Pat. No.6,076,043 titled “Utilization effectiveness of nutrients in apopulation,” which is incorporated herein by reference This section alsoforms equations that calculate the predicted mortality rate and othereffects of living conditions, predicted yield for various economic bodyparts, and nutrient calculations. More specifically, the model willcreate a plurality of simultaneous equations that it will pass throughthe interface, block 222, to the Optimizer, block 224.

The interface, Block 222, reconfigures the information generated by theModel, Block 212, into a form that is acceptable by the Optimizer. Insome embodiments, the interface is written in C++. In some embodiments,the Optimizer is a non-linear optimizer, which are well known in theart.

In some embodiments, the Optimizer, Block 224, solves the simultaneousequations in order to create the optimal values for each of the variablethat describe the predicted mortality rate and other effects of livingconditions, predicted yield for various economic body parts, andnutrient calculations. This information is then passed to the Journaldatabase, Block 204, where it is stored.

At block 210, in some embodiments, the user causes execution of thefiles that generate and print reports. These reports are described inU.S. Pat. No. 6,115,692, titled “Generating growth alternatives,” whichis incorporated herein by reference. At block 214, the user may edit thetables that store information that about the various ingredients thatmay be included in feed. More specifically, the user may delete or addingredients, and edit the nutritional values associated with eachingredient. Additionally, the user may execute amino acid and energyequations that recalculates the values of the amino acid andmetabolizable nutrients based on the weight per bushel and proteincontent of each ingredient. The information manipulated by block 214, isstored in the Ingredient database, block 206.

At block 216, in some embodiments, the user creates variables used inthe various execution files. One skilled in the art will realize that atblock 218 the user may create and edit the various tables that are usedto organize and store information within the databases. Finally, theuser may create and edit the execution files and databases at block 220.

For an egg or broiler enterprise, there are multiple input variablesthat affect profit and loss (the bottom line):

-   -   Nutrition in feed: energy input e.g., whether based on corn or        soybeans or animal proteins        -   proteins lysine, arginine, methionine        -   vitamins E, D, A, K        -   Minerals Calcium, Phosphorus    -   Genetics: Strain of the animals    -   Sex of bird    -   Housing for animals: building cost: energy (heat/cooling),        space,        -   ventilation (remove ammonia), lighting        -   bird kilograms per meter² floor quality, manure-removal            slots,        -   cages or open,    -   Labor persons or automation, shifts per day    -   cost of money interest, who invests    -   processing plant

In some embodiments, the present invention correlates equations thatdescribe the multitude of Gompertz curves for various variables thatdescribe the growth of living animals. The results of the correlationallow an animal processor to simultaneously optimize the ratio betweenexpenditures and growth and thus optimize profit margins. In otherwords, the growth rate of the animal is substantially optimized when themarket value of the animal and the cost incurred from raising the animalmaximizes the before tax net margin associated with raising the animalor population of animals.

Additionally, the variable can describe both genetic and non-geneticcharacteristics or factors involved with modeling the growth of theanimals or the population of animals. The non-genetic variables aresubstantially at their optimal values when the net margin is maximized.Some examples of non-genetic characteristics that are described by thenon-genetic variable include body weight, population density, nutrientcomposition of the feed, temperature, and humidity.

In various embodiments, the present invention is used for any type ofanimal whose growth can be described by a Gompertz curve. However, forpurposes of description, the present invention is described in thecontext of poultry.

“A. Theory”

FIG. 5 is a prior-art graph 500 (FIG. 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,115,692,titled “Generating growth alternatives,” which is incorporated herein byreference), showing the growth alternatives described by a Gompertzcurve.

FIG. 6 is a prior-art graph 600 (FIG. 3 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,115,692,titled “Generating growth alternatives,” which is incorporated herein byreference), showing the relationship between the rate factor, k, and theinflection point, t.

As described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,115,692, 6,076,043 and 5,668,718, aGompertz curve represents mass as a function of time, and is commonlyused to represent the growth of poultry. The Gompertz curve thatdescribes a growth pattern in Laird form is as follows:W=W ₀ exp(L/k)(1−exp(−kt))  (1)

where W is the current body weight, W₀ is the initial body weight, exp() is the number e (the root of the natural logarithm; about 2.718281828)raised to the power of the argument in the parentheses, L is a constant,k is a constant, t is the current age of the bird, and represents anexponent. (Laird, A. K. 1966. Postnatal growth of birds and mammals.Growth 30:349-363) Equation (1) can be rearranged as follows:W=f(t)=W ₀ exp((L/k)exp((−L/k)exp(−kt))).  (2)

The limit of equation (2) as t→∞ is defined as:lim f(t)=A=W ₀ exp(L/k)  (3)

where A is the bird's mature body weight. Combining equation (2) andequation (3) results in the following equation:W=A exp((−L/k)exp(−kt)),  (4)

which can be written as follows:W=Au  (5)where u=exp((−L/k)exp(−kt)).  (6)

Equation (4) can be rewritten as:W=A exp(−B exp(−kt))  (7)

where B=L/k.

From equation (7), the average daily gain is:f′(t)=WkB exp(−kt).  (8)

The rate at which the average daily gain changes is defined as:f″(t)=k ² BW exp(−kt)(B exp(−kt)−1)  (9)

If f″(t)=0 at the age of maximum gain, then:0=k ² BW exp(−kt*)(B exp(−kt*)−1)B exp(−kt*)=1B=exp(kt*)  (10)

where t* is defined as the inflection point, which represents the age atwhich the maximum daily weight gain is achieved.

The constants t* and k govern the form of growth curve. If equation (10)is substituted into equation (7), thenW=Au  (11)

Where u=exp(−exp(−k(t−t*))). Equation (11) shows that current bodyweight depends on mature weight A and u. Mature weight A is agenetically inherited value. Given fixed genetic conditions, the form ofgrowth trajectory depends on u, i.e., the growth rate factor k andinflection point t*. Therefore, living conditions affect the form ofgrowth trajectory through the parameters t* and k. The growth trajectoryrepresents body weight over age.

Rate factor k and inflection point t* are independent of each otheramong multiple growth curves even though they are constrained byequation (10) within one curve. Due to the simultaneous impact of livingconditions, the two parameters of equation (11) cannot be used tooptimize growth by optimizing parameter k and t* independently.Independent optimization of parameter k and/or t* may result in faultycombinations of the two parameters in terms of describing animal growth.Their inter-relationship among different curves has to be established inorder to make equation (11) cover multiple curves so that it can be usedin an automated computer optimization process, i.e., either makeconstant k a function of the inflection point t* so that k=f(t*) or maket* a function of k so that t*=f(k).

The equations that are utilized in the program of the present inventionare:W=A exp(−exp(−k(t−f(k))  (12)which can be rewritten as:W=A exp(−exp(−f(t*)(t−t*)).  (13)

For simplicity, Equation (13) will be used for explanation.

When mature weight A and age t is known, only one variable t* is left topredict body weight W in equation (13). The difference between equation(11) and equation (13) is that equation (11) represents only one growthcurve and t* is a constant. However, equation (13) represents multiplecurves wherein t* is a variable that can be optimized in an optimizationprocess. Therefore, the relationship between k and t* must be defined.This relationship will be in the form of a function k=f(t*).

Experimental growth data for broilers, quails, and turkeys withdifferent genetic and environmental conditions have been obtained frompublic domain sources and summarized. This information is containedwithin the program of the present invention and can be used to definethe relationship between k and t*.

The body weight for male turkeys of age 0 to 18 weeks (Waibel, P. E.,“Pelleting, fat, and protein levels in turkey diets.” 67 Proc. ofMaryland Nutrition Conference for Feed Manufactures, Mar. 16-17, (1989))and female turkeys of age 0 to 18 weeks (Waibel, P. E. et al.,“Factorial Study of Protein Level Sequence and Diet Energy/Pelleting onPerformance of Large White Hen Turkeys,” 68 reported in Poultry scienceAssociation Annual Meeting, University of Wisconsin, Madison. Jul. 24-28(1989)) are each comprised of 24 different protein sequence treatments.The body weights of each treatment at different ages was independentlyfitted into equation (11) and the corresponding value fork and t* wascalculated. More specifically, constant k and t* were experimentallydetermined by (See Hurwitz, S. et al., “Estimation of the Energy Needsof Young Broiler Chicks,” Proceedings of the Meeting, Arkansas NutritionConference 16-21 (Riverfront Hilton, North Little Rock, Ark., Sep.10-12, 1991); Talpaz, H. et al., “Dynamic Optimization Model for Feedingof Broilers,” Agaric. Says, 121-132 (1986); Talpaz, H. et al., “Modelingof Dynamics of Accelerated Growth Following Feed Restriction in Chicks,”36 Agric. Sys., 125-135 (1991); Gous, R. M. et al., “A Characterizationof the Potential Growth Rate of Six Breeds of Commercial Broiler,” 2Proceedings of XIX World's Poultry Congress, 20-24 (Amsterdam, TheNetherlands, September 1992); Emmans, G. C., “The Growth of Turkeys,” 21Recent Advances in Turkey Science, 135-166 (C. Nixey and T. C. Grey eds.1989); Anthony, N. B. et al., “Comparison of Growth Curves of WeightSelected Populations of Turkeys, Quail and Chickens,” 70 Poultry Sci.,13-19 (1991)) and fitted into equation (11) by mathematical methods thatare commonly known in the art. The values of B and L are calculatedusing equation (10). It is helpful to graph k plotted against t*. Insome embodiments, such a graph demonstrates the relationship of k=f(t*)and that the relationship between k and t* is non-linear. In someembodiments, the graph shows that statistical methods demonstrate thatk=0.79878t*(−0.83747), where adjusted correlation coefficient r=0.9746.

Equation (13) can be rewritten asW=A exp(−exp(−(0.79878t*(−0.83747)(t−t*)))).  (14)

This equation covers a multitude of growth-curve possibilities and canbe used for different types of poultry including turkey, broiler, duck,quail, etc. Given equation (13), constant t* is the only variable to beaffected by various living conditions.

Equations (12) and (13) reveal that the rate at which a bird growsdepends on only one variable −t* or k. As discussed above, t* is the ageat which a bird has its maximum rate of gain and k is a growth-ratefactor. The earlier the age, the quicker the bird will grow to theweight at which it may be marketed. The commercial applications ofequation (12) or (13) will be very important tools in selecting the mostefficiently growing genotype of bird and in genetic breeding. in someembodiments, the present invention has applications related to theproduction of other types of animals as well as vegetation.

Equation (13) can be utilized in optimizing poultry production becauseit correlates multiple growth curves, which include a genetic potentialgrowth curve of the type shown in FIG. 5 (FIG. 1 of U.S. Pat. No.6,115,692, titled “Generating growth alternatives,” which isincorporated herein by reference). A curve of this type is required inorder to implement a computer optimization process. As discussed above,the genetic potential growth curve of FIG. 5 defines the minimum age atwhich a bird's maximum growth rate is reached. Given the curve of FIG. 6(FIG. 3 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,115,692, titled “Generating growthalternatives”), a computer can calculate optimum weight gain and averagebody weight for each feeding period of a flock of birds. The weight gainand average body weight is then used to determine the optimal living andfood environments. The following example shows how the potential weightgain can be modified by changing the density of turkeys within a certainliving space.

Change of weight gain=0.71556+7.9902 MDNSITY−57.765 MDNSITY2 where r(correlation coefficient)=0.8846; overall p-value (possibilityvalue)=0.0006; and MDNSITY-body weight density ranged 0.03 to 0.06meter2/kg 0.67. Similar predictions can be derived by establishing theeffect of temperature, humidity, ventilation, etc. on weight gain.

In addition to predicting physical mass of the entire bird, theinflection point t* can be used to predict the growth of each componentpart of a bird's body. The following is an example for turkeys:Breast (% of Eviscerated carcass)=67.121−2.2824 Sex+0.37094Age−0.00093294 Age2−93116 ln(Age)−0.14238t*

where r=0.843; and p-value of coefficient t*=0.0000.Thigh (% of Eviscerated carcass)=14.6+0.056919 Age−0.00022113Age2−0.026625t*

where r=0.875; and p-value of coefficient t*=0.0000.Wing (% of Eviscerated carcass)=26.399−2.3552 Sex+0.10141 Age−0.0018162Age2+0.0000064398 Age3−0.10284t*

where r=0.90; p-value of coefficient t*=0.0000.Neck (% of Eviscerated carcass)=18.056−2.1653 Sex−0.0095747Age−0.085037t*

where r=0.6367; and p-value of coefficient t*=0.0000 where Sex—1 formale, 2 for female; age=age in days; t*=inflection point (days);r=correlation coefficient; and p-value=possibility value.

All the above regression equations show that the inflection point t* hasa significant effect on dependent variables as indicated by the smallnumber of p-values.

In some embodiments, the report that is generated includes values forthe maximum profit that is achieved at each one of a plurality of valuesof the level of risk taken to achieve the corresponding maximizedprofit, and then lists the values for each of the variables of flocksize, sex, strain, and each of the nutrition variables used to formulatethe animal feed, space per animal, ventilation and the like needed toobtain the maximum profit at each of the levels of risk. In someembodiments, a plurality of three-dimensional (3D) curves are graphedand output for the human decision maker, wherein each 3D graph shows theexpected maximized profit (e.g., on a Z-dimension) for each pair ofvalues for two variables each representing an important factor relatingto risk. In some embodiments, the software of the present inventiondetermines which factors have the highest effect on risk, and the setsof 3D graphs of profit are selected to demonstrate how profit shiftsbased on which risk factors are addressed by hedging and/or insurance,so that the human decision maker can more easily choose a level of riskto take and the expected profit (and/or a curve representing a range ofexpected possible profit values) that is/are likely to result.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a computerizedapparatus that includes: a first server system operably connected to theinternet; software executing on first server system that elicits andreceives into the first server system information based oncharacteristics of the flock or herd including sex, weight, number, andstrain; software executing on first server system that elicits andreceives into the first server system information including optimaldiet, environmental conditions, flock size, predicted mortality rate,predicted yield, and financial figures; software executing on firstserver system that elicits and receives into the first server systeminformation including type of feed and nutritional values of variousingredients thereof; and software executing on first server system thatvaries selected values for each of flock size, sex, weight, number,strain, optimal diet, environmental conditions, predicted yield, andfinancial figures and, for each of a plurality of combinations of theselected varied values, calculates an expected profit in order tomaximize profit for a predetermined amount of risk.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a computerizedmethod that includes: providing a first server system operably connectedto the internet; eliciting and receiving into the first server systeminformation based on characteristics of the flock or herd including sex,weight, number, and strain; eliciting and receiving into the firstserver system information including optimal diet, environmentalconditions, flock size, predicted mortality rate, predicted yield, andfinancial figures; eliciting and receiving into the first server systeminformation including type of feed and nutritional values of variousingredients thereof; and varying selected values for each of flock size,sex, weight, number, strain, optimal diet, environmental conditions,predicted yield, and financial figures and, for each of a plurality ofcombinations of the selected varied values, calculating an expectedprofit in order to maximize profit for a predetermined amount of risk.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a computerizedapparatus that includes: a first server system operably connected to theinternet; means for eliciting and receiving into the first server systeminformation based on characteristics of the flock or herd including sex,weight, number, and strain; means for eliciting and receiving into thefirst server system information including optimal diet, environmentalconditions, flock size, predicted mortality rate, predicted yield, andfinancial figures; means for eliciting and receiving into the firstserver system information including type of feed and nutritional valuesof various ingredients thereof; and means for varying selected valuesfor each of flock size, sex, weight, number, strain, optimal diet,environmental conditions, predicted yield, and financial figures and,means, for each of a plurality of combinations of the selected variedvalues, for calculating an expected profit in order to maximize profitfor a predetermined amount of risk.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a computerizednon-volatile computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereonthat when executed by a suitably programed first server system operablyconnected to the internet, performs a method that includes: elicitingand receiving into the first server system information based oncharacteristics of the flock or herd including sex, weight, number, andstrain; eliciting and receiving into the first server system informationincluding optimal diet, environmental conditions, flock size, predictedmortality rate, predicted yield, and financial figures; eliciting andreceiving into the first server system information including type offeed and nutritional values of various ingredients thereof; and varyingselected values for each of flock size, sex, weight, number, strain,optimal diet, environmental conditions, predicted yield, and financialfigures and, for each of a plurality of combinations of the selectedvaried values, calculating an expected profit in order to maximizeprofit for a predetermined amount of risk.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a computerizedapparatus that includes: a first server system operably connected to theinternet; software executing on first server system that elicits andreceives into the first server system information based oncharacteristics of a flock of animals including number of each sex,weight, and strain; software executing on first server system thatelicits and receives into the first server system information includingoptimal diet, environmental conditions, flock size, predicted mortalityrate, predicted yield, and financial figures from the internet; softwareexecuting on first server system that elicits and receives into thefirst server system information including type of feed and nutritionalvalues of various ingredients thereof; and software executing on firstserver system that stores values for each one of a plurality of levelsof risk including a value for a first level of risk, and varies selectedvalues for each of number of each sex, weight, strain, optimal diet,environmental conditions, predicted yield, and financial figures and,for each of a plurality of combinations of the selected varied values,calculates an expected profit for each of a plurality of the variedselected values in order to maximize profit for the first level of risk.

In some embodiments of the apparatus, the animals are chicken birdsbeing raised for broilers, wherein the software executing on firstserver system optimizes a ratio between expenditures and rate of growththe birds according to equation W=A exp(−exp(−k(t−t*))), where W is acurrent body weight of the birds, A is a weight of the birds at physicalmaturity, k is a growth rate factor, t is a current age of the birds,and t* is an age at which the birds have a maximum rate of growth, andwherein t* and k are statistically related.

In some embodiments of the apparatus, the software executing on firstserver system calculates an expected profit for each of a plurality ofthe varied selected values in order to maximize profit for each one ofthe plurality of levels of risk; and wherein the software outputs acurve of likelihoods of profit values over a range of profit levels foreach of the plurality of risk levels.

In some embodiments of the apparatus, the animals are chicken birdsbeing raised for broilers, wherein the software executing on firstserver system calculates a bird-weight-versus-time trajectory that anaverage bird of the sex and strain reaches its optimum rate-of-growthversus age and uses this information to simultaneously determine anappropriate size for the flock of birds, the type and amount of feedthat should be fed to the flock, and the age at which a flock should besold to a food processor, in order to maximize the profits realized by acommercial integrator who subcontracts meat production.

In some embodiments of the apparatus, the financial figures used tomaximize profit include a cost of transportation and a cost of feedstorage at each of a plurality of future moments in time.

In some embodiments of the apparatus, the financial figures used tomaximize profit include a cost of borrowing money and a cost ofinsurance against loss.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a computerizedmethod that includes: providing a first server system operably connectedto the internet; eliciting and receiving into the first server systeminformation based on characteristics of a flock of animals includingnumber of each sex, weight, and strain; eliciting and receiving into thefirst server system information including optimal diet, environmentalconditions, flock size, predicted mortality rate, predicted yield, andfinancial figures from the internet; eliciting and receiving into thefirst server system information including type of feed and nutritionalvalues of various ingredients thereof; storing values in the firstserver system for each one of a plurality of levels of risk including avalue for a first level of risk; and varying selected values for each ofnumber of each sex, weight, strain, optimal diet, environmentalconditions, predicted yield, and financial figures and, for each of aplurality of combinations of the selected varied values, calculates anexpected profit for each of a plurality of the varied selected values inorder to maximize profit for the first level of risk.

In some embodiments of the method, the animals are chicken birds beingraised for broilers, the computerized method further includingoptimizing a ratio between expenditures and rate of growth the birdsaccording to equation W=A exp(−exp(−k(t−t*))), where W is a current bodyweight of the birds, A is a weight of the birds at physical maturity, kis a growth rate factor, t is a current age of the birds, and t* is anage at which the birds have a maximum rate of growth, and wherein t* andk are statistically related.

In some embodiments of the method, the animals are chicken birds beingraised for broilers, and the computerized method further includes:calculating an expected profit for each of a plurality of the variedselected values in order to maximize profit for each one of theplurality of levels of risk; and outputting a curve of likelihoods ofprofit values over a range of profit levels for each of the plurality ofrisk levels.

In some embodiments of the method, the animals are chicken birds beingraised for broilers, and the computerized method further includes:calculating a bird-weight-versus-time trajectory that an average bird ofthe sex and strain reaches its optimum rate-of-growth versus age anduses this information to simultaneously determine an appropriate sizefor the flock of birds, the type and amount of feed that should be fedto the flock, and the age at which a flock should be sold to a foodprocessor, in order to maximize the profits realized by a commercialintegrator who subcontracts meat production.

In some embodiments of the method, the financial figures used tomaximize profit include a cost of transportation and a cost of feedstorage at each of a plurality of future moments in time.

In some embodiments of the method, the financial figures used tomaximize profit include a cost of borrowing money and a cost ofinsurance against loss.

In some embodiments of the method, the varying of selected valuesincludes varying values of future predicted market-demand to maximizeexpected profit while operating to limit risk to a chosen level selectedfrom the plurality of levels of risk.

In some embodiments of the method, the varying of selected valuesincludes varying values of future predicted risk-mitigation costs tomaximize expected profit while operating to limit risk to a chosen levelselected from the plurality of levels of risk.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides non-volatilecomputer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon that whenexecuted by a suitably programed first server system operably connectedto the internet, performs a method that includes: eliciting andreceiving into the first server system information based oncharacteristics of a flock of animals including number of each sex,weight, and strain; eliciting and receiving into the first server systeminformation including optimal diet, environmental conditions, flocksize, predicted mortality rate, predicted yield, and financial figuresfrom the internet; eliciting and receiving into the first server systeminformation including type of feed and nutritional values of variousingredients thereof; storing values in the first server system for eachone of a plurality of levels of risk including a value for a first levelof risk; and varying selected values for each of number of each sex,weight, strain, optimal diet, environmental conditions, predicted yield,and financial figures and, for each of a plurality of combinations ofthe selected varied values, calculates an expected profit for each of aplurality of the varied selected values in order to maximize profit forthe first level of risk.

In some embodiments, the animals are chicken birds being raised forbroilers, and the medium has instructions stored thereon such that themethod further includes optimizing a ratio between expenditures and rateof growth the birds according to equation W=A exp(−exp(−k(t−t*))), whereW is a current body weight of the birds, A is a weight of the birds atphysical maturity, k is a growth rate factor, t is a current age of thebirds, and t* is an age at which the birds have a maximum rate ofgrowth, and wherein t* and k are statistically related.

In some embodiments, the animals are chicken birds being raised forbroilers, and the medium has instructions stored thereon such that themethod further includes calculating an expected profit for each of aplurality of the varied selected values in order to maximize profit foreach one of the plurality of levels of risk; and outputting a curve oflikelihoods of profit values over a range of profit levels for each ofthe plurality of risk levels.

In some embodiments, the animals are chicken birds being raised forbroilers, and the medium has instructions stored thereon such that themethod further includes calculating a bird-weight-versus-time trajectorythat an average bird of the sex and strain reaches its optimumrate-of-growth versus age and uses this information to simultaneouslydetermine an appropriate size for the flock of birds, the type andamount of feed that should be fed to the flock, and the age at which aflock should be sold to a food processor, in order to maximize theprofits realized by a commercial integrator who subcontracts meatproduction.

In some embodiments of the medium, the financial figures used tomaximize profit include a cost of transportation and a cost of feedstorage at each of a plurality of future moments in time.

In some embodiments of the medium, the financial figures used tomaximize profit include a cost of borrowing money and a cost ofinsurance against loss.

While the invention and method have been described in conjunction with aspecific embodiment thereof, it is evident that different alternatives,modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in theart in view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, the invention isnot limited to these embodiments or the use of elements having specificconfigurations as presented herein.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to beillustrative, and not restrictive. Although numerous characteristics andadvantages of various embodiments as described herein have been setforth in the foregoing description, together with details of thestructure and function of various embodiments, many other embodimentsand changes to details will be apparent to those of skill in the artupon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should,therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, alongwith the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Inthe appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used asthe plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and“wherein,” respectively. Moreover, the terms “first,” “second,” and“third,” etc., are used merely as labels, and are not intended to imposenumerical requirements on their objects.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computerized apparatus comprising: a firstserver system operably connected to the internet, the first serversystem comprising a microprocessor and software instructions to: elicitand receive into the first server system information based oncharacteristics of a flock of animals including number of each sex,weight, and strain; elicit and receive into the first server systeminformation including optimal diet, environmental conditions, flocksize, predicted mortality rate, predicted yield, and financial figuresfrom the internet; elicit and receive into the first server systeminformation including type of feed and nutritional values of variousingredients thereof; store different risk-level values for each one of aplurality of levels of risk including a risk-level value for a firstlevel of risk; vary selected values for each of sex, weight, strain,optimal diet, environmental conditions, predicted yield, and financialfigures; and calculate an expected profit conditioned to each one of theplurality of risk-level values by varying each of the varied selectedvalues in order to maximize profit conditioned to the first level ofrisk for each of a plurality of combinations of the varied selectedvalues.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the animals are chickenbirds being raised for broilers, wherein the software executing on firstserver system optimizes a ratio between expenditures and rate of growththe birds according to equation W=A exp(−exp(−k(t−t*))), where W is acurrent body weight of the birds, A is a weight of the birds at physicalmaturity, k is a growth rate factor, t is a current age of the birds,and t* is an age at which the birds have a maximum rate of growth, andwherein t* and k are statistically related.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the software executing on first server system calculates anexpected profit for each of a plurality of the varied selected values inorder to maximize profit for each one of the plurality of levels ofrisk; and wherein the software outputs a curve of likelihoods of profitvalues over a range of profit levels for each of the plurality of risklevels.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the animals are chickenbirds being raised for broilers, wherein the software executing on firstserver system calculates a bird-weight-versus-time trajectory that anaverage bird of the sex and strain reaches its optimum rate-of-growthversus age and uses this information to simultaneously determine anappropriate size for the flock of birds, the type and amount of feedthat should be fed to the flock, and the age at which a flock should besold to a food processor, in order to maximize profits realized by acommercial integrator who subcontracts meat production.
 5. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the financial figures used to maximize profitinclude a cost of transportation and a cost of feed storage at each of aplurality of future moments in time.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the financial figures used to maximize profit include a cost ofborrowing money and a cost of insurance against loss.
 7. A computerizedmethod comprising: providing a first server system operably connected tothe Internet, the first server system comprising a microprocessor andsoftware instructions; eliciting and receiving into the first serversystem information based on characteristics of a flock of animalsincluding number of each sex, weight, and strain; eliciting andreceiving into the first server system information including optimaldiet, environmental conditions, flock size, predicted mortality rate,predicted yield, and financial figures from the internet; eliciting andreceiving into the first server system information including type offeed and nutritional values of various ingredients thereof; storing aplurality of different risk-level values in the first server system foreach one of a plurality of levels of risk including a risk-level valuefor a first level of risk; varying selected values for each of sex,weight, strain, optimal diet, environmental conditions, predicted yield,and financial figures and, for each of a plurality of combinations ofthe selected varied values; and calculating an expected profitconditioned to each one of the stored plurality of different risk-levelvalues while using each of a plurality of the varied selected values inorder to maximize profit conditioned to the first level of risk.
 8. Thecomputerized method of claim 7, wherein the animals are chicken birdsbeing raised for broilers, the computerized method further includingoptimizing a ratio between expenditures and rate of growth the birdsaccording to equation W=A exp(−exp(−k(t−t*))), where W is a current bodyweight of the birds, A is a weight of the birds at physical maturity, kis a growth rate factor, t is a current age of the birds, and t* is anage at which the birds have a maximum rate of growth, and wherein t* andk are statistically related.
 9. The computerized method of claim 7,wherein the animals are chicken birds being raised for broilers, thecomputerized method further including: calculating an expected profitfor each of a plurality of the varied selected values in order tomaximize profit for each one of the plurality of levels of risk; andoutputting a curve of likelihoods of profit values over a range ofprofit levels for each of the plurality of risk levels.
 10. Thecomputerized method of claim 7, wherein the animals are chicken birdsbeing raised for broilers, the computerized method further including:calculating a bird-weight-versus-time trajectory that an average bird ofthe sex and strain reaches its optimum rate-of-growth versus age anduses this information to simultaneously determine an appropriate sizefor the flock of birds, the type and amount of feed that should be fedto the flock, and the age at which a flock should be sold to a foodprocessor, in order to maximize profits realized by a commercialintegrator who subcontracts meat production.
 11. The computerized methodof claim 7, wherein the financial figures used to maximize profitinclude a cost of transportation and a cost of feed storage at each of aplurality of future moments in time.
 12. The computerized method ofclaim 7, wherein the financial figures used to maximize profit include acost of borrowing money and a cost of insurance against loss.
 13. Thecomputerized method of claim 7, wherein the varying of selected valuesincludes varying values of future predicted market-demand to maximizeexpected profit while operating to limit risk to a chosen level selectedfrom the plurality of levels of risk.
 14. The computerized method ofclaim 7, wherein the varying of selected values includes varying valuesof future predicted risk-mitigation costs to maximize expected profitwhile operating to limit risk to a chosen level selected from theplurality of levels of risk.
 15. A non-volatile computer-readable mediumhaving instructions stored thereon that when executed by a suitablyprogramed first server system operably connected to the internet,performs a method comprising: eliciting and receiving into the firstserver system information based on characteristics of a flock of animalsincluding number of each sex, weight, and strain; eliciting andreceiving into the first server system information including optimaldiet, environmental conditions, flock size, predicted mortality rate,predicted yield, and financial figures from the internet; eliciting andreceiving into the first server system information including type offeed and nutritional values of various ingredients thereof; storing aplurality of different risk-level values in the first server system foreach one of a plurality of levels of risk including a risk-level valuefor a first level of risk; and varying selected values for each of sex,weight, strain, optimal diet, environmental conditions, predicted yield,and financial figures and, for each of a plurality of combinations ofthe selected varied values; and calculating an expected profitconditioned to each one of the plurality of stored plurality ofdifferent risk-level values while using each of a plurality of thevaried selected values in order to maximize profit conditioned to thefirst level of risk.
 16. The medium of claim 15, wherein the animals arechicken birds being raised for broilers, the medium having instructionsstored thereon such that the method further includes: calculating anexpected profit for each of a plurality of the varied selected values inorder to maximize profit for each one of the plurality of levels ofrisk; and outputting a curve of likelihoods of profit values over arange of profit levels for each of the plurality of risk levels.
 17. Themedium of claim 15, wherein the animals are chicken birds being raisedfor broilers, the medium having instructions stored thereon such thatthe method further includes: calculating a bird-weight-versus-timetrajectory that an average bird of the sex and strain reaches itsoptimum rate-of-growth versus age and uses this information tosimultaneously determine an appropriate size for the flock of birds, thetype and amount of feed that should be fed to the flock, and the age atwhich a flock should be sold to a food processor, in order to maximizeprofits realized by a commercial integrator who subcontracts meatproduction.
 18. The medium of claim 15, wherein the financial figuresused to maximize profit include a cost of transportation and a cost offeed storage at each of a plurality of future moments in time.
 19. Themedium of claim 15, wherein the financial figures used to maximizeprofit include a cost of borrowing money and a cost of insurance againstloss.
 20. The medium of claim 15, the medium having further instructionsstored thereon such that the method further includes: eliciting andreceiving into the first server system information based on genetics,resistances to diseases and pests, water needs and drought-tolerancecharacteristics of a crop; eliciting and receiving into the first serversystem information including fertilizer, mineral and nutrient datacharacteristics for a growth model of the crop; and varying selectedvalues for each of crop nutrients and trace elements and, for each of aplurality of combinations of the selected varied values of cropnutrients and trace elements, calculating an expected profit conditionedto each one of the plurality of risk-level values while using each of aplurality of the varied selected values in order to maximize profit ofcrop growth and animal growth conditioned to the first level of risk.